“More and more attention is being focused on the aftercare of the horses. The young, urban group, the market that the industry is hoping to attract to the (sport), is very concerned about animal welfare,” says New Stride president Marcy Emery.

In the Interior of B.C., where our three geldings are enjoying a summer ranch vacation, horse folk are united by one thing: an intense dislike of cow people. In that vast region outside Vancouver referred to as ‘upcountry,’ you’re either a horse person or a cow person.

Penny King decided she could combine quality horse time and a passion for community service by volunteering at PRDA in Langley. She has since become, according to Langley PRDA head instructor Michelle Meacher, “a mainstay of our program.”